New | China's cadres to be watched outside work as corruption watchdog targets old boys' networks

The private lives of China's senior Guangdong officials will face tighter scrutiny after the provincial government rolls out new rules limiting contact with businesspeople, according to state media reports.

The rule targets after-work events involving alumni, war veterans and old boys' clubs, as well as gatherings for golf games, restaurant meals and nightclub drinks.

Authorities will monitor whether cadres use these social events to collude with businessmen or establish political circles with them, the Nanfang Daily quoted the provincial discipline commission as saying.

Cadres' spouses, children and subordinates will also be watched for any sign they have organised wedding banquets, funerals, sightseeing trips or other entertainment using tax dollars or funds from a company. Anything deemed extravagant could be investigated.

The rule came as an official newspaper revealed details about a judge in Shenzhen who allegedly used mahjong sessions to accept bribes from lawyers, businessmen and subordinates.

The Communist Party is trying to shore up its image and root out graft, which has flourished through personal networks.